Doug's update

Hi From Doug

2012-01-16T02:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been a long time since my last update! Busy, Busy! I am grateful for that! So thank you all for your continual visits to train at Accel!

So far in the early races results have been solid. Great Job to all! From what I have seen in our training, all have been pushing hard for new personal bests! Perfect! That is all we can do is push for a new personal bests. No worry about any other racers. Focus on what we can do to improve in all areas of preparation.

I have been doing some basic drills mixed in with our normal gate training. From what I have seen, we definitely need to do more of those drills. Another weak point is strength and power in lacking. Ski racing is a power sport! If you can work hard in the summer to improve in that area you would have a big advantage over others!

Snow conditions are great up here. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Doug

First day at Tsubakuro

2011-12-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

It was our first day of free skiing at Tsubakuro! Only the short lift on the the flats is open. It was ok for doing some basic training. Tomorrow we are able to ski at Omatsu yama though. That will be better. Longer run and slightly steeper!! Tsubakuro and Omastsu yama have done a great job to prepare the man made snow.

I am looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Bye for now.

Doug

Arrival in Japan

2011-12-08T01:50:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody,

I am happy to say I have arrived in Japan!!!!!!!! I am actually already in Sugadaira. It is cooling down. -2 Celsius! Hopefully the ski resorts will make snow tonight.

I look forward to seeing every one!

Bye for now!

Doug

Last Day in Canada with family

2011-12-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hi !

It is always stressful this time of year. Leaving my family for 4 months. We spent the whole day with each other.

We went ice skating at a free city of Kelowna rink. We also made a ginger bread house and started to eat it. Chrissy and Makaiya just beat me in a game of soccer too.

See you soon.

Christmas decorating

2011-12-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

The first of December! Chrissy, Makaiya , and I decorated our Christmas tree. Chrissy of course had to keep going with the Christmas spirit and dress the rest of the house up too. I think it looks great!

I am on my way to Japan soon. I am looking forward to seeing you all again! And watch you all ski well balanced and fast! It is going to be a great season! Remember to always come to the ski hill with your body warmed up before you start skiing. To have the best chance to ski your best and to prevent injury.

See you soon.

Doug

New DVD'S

2011-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

This season new DVD's arrived today. They look good as usual.

Kelowna is getting a dump of snow. Around 6 cm in the city. Unusual for Kelowna. Great for the local ski hills.

Bye for now.

Doug

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Happy Halloween! Makaiya is out trick or treating now with Chrissy, Tajanna and some other friends. Free candy yum!

Makaiya dressed up as a Masquerade, ghost, princess ! Chrissy did a great job dressing here up.

She also got way too much candy!

Bye for now.

Doug

More at home work outs!

2011-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

Getting closer to the season so it is good to do sport specific training. It is good to train your Anaerobic lactic muscle system. That is a work out in duration from 45 to 120 seconds, 3 times per week. Kind of like the length of a ski race. You could do 400m to 600m sprints. 3 to 5 sets. A good way to do it is always warm up jog and stretch first. Have a light sweat going. Then sprint one lap walk a lap to recover and repeat.

Another is try M 100's a great work out in your house again while watching tv. If you have the room to move safely that is. I tried them. Good wok out!

More!

2011-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Pulse ups 25 reps.

Back arches 25 reps.

Legs in and out 25 reps.

More !

2011-10-15T21:47:00.001-07:00

Hips Roll and up 25 reps.

Scissor legs slowly 25 reps.

Side plank up and down both sides 25 reps.

Core work out pictures

2011-10-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Here area few core exercises I do. Usually while we are watching tv in the evening. It is important to do both sides of your core, stomach and back. Core is something you can train every day or every night. The reps you do will depend on your strength. Do at least 6 sets. More if possible. Push your self!

I do a plank on a wobble board first for 2 minutes to warm up my core.

Twisting side plank 25 reps each side.

Frog crunches 25.

At home work outs

2011-10-11T19:50:00.001-07:00

Hi!

To find time to work out is challenging when we have our normal career. I some times do a work out in the am before work. Which includes interval running. ( a 40 minute run. 15 minutes slowly increasing intensity as my body warms up. I then run at 80% of full speed for One and a half minutes to two minutes. Jog till my heart rate drops then 80% again and alternate.

Another good time is after dinner. I do a core work out. I will share photos of what I do next time.

Bye for now.

Doug

Golf Frustration

2011-10-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I would like to continue to share my progression in my pursuit of excellence in golf. I have been still practicing fairly often. Played 2 times recently. The first game was with an old ski racing friend of mine. I really wanted to score well and beat him. I ended up trying too hard and not swinging with lag from my shoulders and wrists. I released the club too quickly. I had a really bad game and shot a 90. My worst score of the season!! I was so down because I have been practicing so much. My focus was on the wrong thing though. Just like ski racing I need to focus on my own performance and not worry about my friend or other golfers or racers.

I played this afternoon and thought about a good pre hit set up, and a simple image of my shoulders, arms and wrists being rubbery or like loose hinges. ( so I would have more lag) The image and setup worked well. Solid shots all afternoon. Shot a 76! Best score of the season. I will try the same image when I play with better players. Mental preparation is key in any sport. The more preparation in as many areas as possible is key!!

Push to get strong for the up coming ski season!!!!! Running 800m sprints 6 sets things like that will jump start you.

Bye for now.

Doug

Sunday golf night!

2011-09-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

I played a game of golf This Sunday afternoon. Another solid score of 78. Like I said before I have really put time in on the range. It is paying off in my scores.

Worked on my basic set up and grip. As well as the combined movements. Mental rehearsal and feeling has also been a key. Arm and wrist lag from arms and hands being relaxed. Same for skiing a good basic position is key. Upper body forward, Arms up, hips back, knees and ankles flexed forward. Strong core and legs are a must to maintain this through a ski run. Relaxed and grounded on the snow. Always contact on the snow.

Bye for now.

PS core work outs are easy to do at home. While watching tv at night! Time to really push!

My progression in golf! Better coach?

2011-09-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I would like to share in how I have progressed this summer in my pursuit to improve in the game of golf. I am very driven to improve in a new sport. To help me be a better coach in ski racing. Yes , feel what it is like to learn new movements. When learning a new movement how I felt tense and they were unnatural. Overall to feel how you all feel in moving ahead in ski racing.

The basic position, set up and movements were taught to me by different coaches and higher level players. Although there were many subtle differences between all. Some were the same. Because of our body structure, body strength and flexibility sometimes the setup is different. To have the best chance to perform continue to work on body strength and also flexibility. I see many players unable to setup properly because of weak core strength and flexibility. Same in Ski racing. We need a strong core to be in a athletic position on our skis. Strong legs to compact our shins on the tongue of our boots, to bend our skis. Strong upper body to pull out of the start quickly. If you are not strong in those areas you will have a huge disadvantage. YOU will not be able to even have the basic set up on your skis.

Oh, back to golf. I have put in hours on the driving range. I wish I would have used video more. When I did use it I always saw something new. I felt good but when I saw my video it was so depressing. I looked completely different than how I felt. Releasing the club too quickly, a short back swing for example. Video is a great tool.

Another point is that sometimes I sucked! It really was hard on me. I just kept going though. More time , more practice, more video. But, practice doing the right things. Just don't repeat the same wrong movement. Check video, check in with your coach.

As for my scores. I did not play a lot of golf games. More practice than any thing. At the beginning of the season I was shooting around 85. My last round I shot a 77. before that a few 9 hole rounds. a 39, 40 and a 39. I feel a have made a huge improvement.

It is getting closer to the ski season. The time to really push on body strength and flexibility. Do your best!

More later.

Doug

Home stay student from Japan

2011-09-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last week we hosted a Japanese student from Sanno college, Tokyo. Yasuhara Risa is her name. She was very nice and enjoyed our time together very much. I believe we were able to show her kelowna's life style in the week she stayed here. I was able to practice Japanese with her too. Her English is quite good and was picked to speak for her class at the graduation.

Day on the lake

2011-09-08T07:04:00.001-07:00

We were invited by my friends the Walthers to go boating with them on Okanagan lake. It was a great day. We thank the Walthers family very much for sharing their boat and time with us.

Hike to Pine needle rock

2011-09-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

On my way back from Vancouver Tajanna, Seb, and I hiked to Pine needle rock from the high way. It was fun!

Score board!

2011-08-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The pictures are of the score board from the Kelowna Open. Looks like I finished around 40th out of 175 or so. I look forward to entering in more.

Bye for now.

Doug

My First Amateur golf tournament

2011-08-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

This past weekend I played in the Kelowna Open. My first tournament. I was very nervous first day. I did have a game plan starting hours before, warming up, running, stretching, light core work out, driving range. I was unable to really follow through with my plan. I was so tight, so my body movements were not timed. I shot a gros score of 87. Net score of 76. Today I was much better. I did the same warm up. Off the first tee I was more relaxed. Gros score 82 ,net 71! I also hit the pin on a par 3 missing a hole in 1 by 10cm!!!!!! I would have won $5000, if it went in. Bummer. It was an easy birdy though.

Makaiya was my caddy! She cleaned my clubs after each shot, and ball on the greens. She also helped me align my putts after I picked the target. She was awesome. Helped me make a lot of putts!

A great experience! Helps me feel how you guys and girls feel when you go into race. I look forward to entering more next year.

Bye for now.

Douig

Iron Chef Chrissy vs Iron Chef Doug

2011-08-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hi!

One night, last week Chrissy and I had some fresh Halibut fish. We could not agree how to cook it so we decided to split the fish and cook it separately. We had so much fun! Chrissy used a curry sauce. Iron Chef Doug a smokey flavored cream sauce. Both served over whole wheat pasta. Our cooking panel picked mine of course! Hee Hee! As many of you know Chrissy is an excellent cook so I maybe twisting the truth a little!

36 holes of golf

2011-08-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

July has been great weather here in Kelowna. Sunny and hot! We have had many visitors stay with us. Last week Chrissy's sister and family arrived. They are still here. I took my brother in law to a golf course called The Rise. It is located out side of Vernon. From Monday to Thursday have offer unlimited golf with a cart for $75. We played 36 holes with no rest. We were tired but it was such a fun day!

Bye for now.

Doug

Day on Okanagan lake

2011-08-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Monday was a holiday for us in Canada. We were lucky because the weather was very nice! An old friend also invited us to go boating with them for the day. It was very relaxing. Chrissy and I were really surprised at some of the homes built lake side. Most impressive. I did manage to get a great sun burn on most of my body. Ouch!

Bye for now.

Doug

Asian dinner with friends!

2011-07-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Summer is definitely here in Kelowna. 30 Celsius today.

Chrissy and I had some old friends over. We made gyoza, , and Chinese sumai. For Desert I made blue berry gyoza, with ice cream and mix berry liquor. All was very tasty!

Tomorrow we are going kayaking in a lake close to kelowna. I will show you pictures later.

The beer is from Alberta. My brother in law brought it for me. $1 per can. Very cheap!

Bye for now.

Doug

Congratulations to Japan Womans soccer!

2011-07-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

What an exciting Womans World Cup final! Makaiya her cousins and I watch the game. Exciting right to the end. Congratulations to all of Japan. Great news for a Country that has had so many challenges in the past few months!

We all look forward to more great things for Japan in the near future!

Doug and Family!

Sunday hike!

2011-07-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hello!

It has been a great weekend. Spent yesterday with my brother and his family at their house. Today we spent the day with Chrissy's sister. In the morning we went for a hike up Knox mt.( A small mountain in Kelowna city limits ) I carried a 15.9kg plate in my big Rossiginol pack. That was a good work out! It took us 45 minutes up! Tonight I am going to play 9 holes of golf. I will let you know later how it goes.

Bye for now.

Doug

Trampoline!

2011-07-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We did it we bought a trampoline for the family. It was such a deal. It cost 25 000 yen. It did take Chrissy and I 6 hours to set up completely though. It was worth it when we saw how excited Makaiya was when she first saw it. It is so much fun to bounce on and it is great exercise.

Bye for now.

Doug

Monday morning

2011-06-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

I just got back from my morning bike ride. I woke at 6am put on some coffee and went up a mountain close to our house. I am trying to exercise 5 times per week.

The bike I am using now is from an old ski racing friend of mine,Gary Walthers. I guess he was cleaning his house realized he was not going to us the bike any more and decided to give it to me. Lucky! It is an older bike but a very good one! I appreciate him very much. I have so many good friends around the world. Just like many of you!

Have a great day and enjoy!

Doug

Hi From Doug

2011-06-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all well! My family and myself are good.

In Canada I have not seen much news of the radiation leak in Japan. I hope the recovery is going well.

It has been a very cool and rainy spring in Kelowna. Some ski hills have stayed open much later than past years.

I have been training more myself this spring. I have been getting up at 6 am and either do a 30 minute run or 30 minute bike ride. During the run I do intervals at about 80% effort for 1 minute. I do 3 sets. My bike ride is a up hill climb for 20 minutes. I feel great! I Have more energy during the day and a much larger appetite!

I hope you are all able to improve your physical fitness this summer. Do your best!

Bye for now.

Doug

Japanese garden

2011-05-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I hope all of you are doing well. It has been a very cool spring here. Cool and rainy.

As I told you earlier I have inherited some bonsai trees from my Grand father. I have been busy all spring planting them and making Japanese gardens in my yard. It has been busy but fun. I actually had to go into the forests near by Kelowna to get more rocks, moss and other items. Chrissy helped me when ever I needed it.

Enjoy the pictures.

Doug

Pancake fund raiser

2011-05-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

My friend who owns a restaurant did a fund raiser for Japan. Check out the out the picture.

Doug

Coaching Summit Update

2011-04-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

Just finished a meeting with some of the FIS guys. This is kind of old news. The new starting age for FIS is 16.

Ages will be broken down from U21, U18, U16, U14, U12, U10. Starting in the 2012, 2013 season.

Some other topics were the importance of being physically strong in ski racing. The stronger you are the better chance you have to win. The hardest part of ski racing is the preparation in the off season. Building endurance, agility, power, strength, flexibility, and general athleticism. For the National women team, that is their main focus. The other European nations are bigger and stronger. I feel in any level that is a easy way to give your self a better chance for new personal bests!

Mental toughness is of course a vital part of your preparation. What is it? How much pain you can stand? How much you can lift? Real mental toughness is being able to follow you race plan, your training plan fully. Focus on every step and actually be fully there for each part. Meaning do not think ahead , or back. Believing in your self, your preparation. How to visualize, Set daily goals, season, 3 year 5 year, emotional control, Positive self talk, breathing, keeping a journal, and the list goes on. Top athletes in any sport are prepared in every way!

More tomorrow!

Doug

Hi From Nakaika Coaching Summit

2011-04-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I am in Nakiska , Alberta right now attending the annual national coaching summit. It is a three day seminar. On Snow and class room. Skiing in the morning and indoor during the afternoon.

Yesterday I was in the GS group. The leader of the group was Jim Pollock. He is the Head coach for the Canadian National team. Topics we talked about were course setting, line and technique. What distance they were setting 22 to 28m.

Line was a gray zone. Depending on Technique and quickness of movements. For each individual, look to move from Arc to arc to arc. The first arcs direction is dictated from the 3rd arc down the hill. Look ahead and link powerful arcs together, with no waiting between arcs(turns).

Technique, No changes really. Move from Ski to ski balanced and stacked. No, two leg pressure! Outside ski only. From Ski to ski no lose of contact on the snow. Be in a balanced position to power the ski.

Today was Super G and speed.

Always set for safety.

Keep contact on the snow and use the terrain for speed and to work on the down side. Stay in a tuck and if you open up stay in the most aerodynamic position possible. Keep your upper body low and absorb with your legs.

look for terrain changes and turns over terrain changes.

How to handle jumps. Ride over jumps with no move. Ride over jumps by pre jumping. Ride over jumps by popping it (Or springing at the lip of the jump).

More later.

Doug

Ito Karesansui garden

2011-04-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I Have heard many updates about the on going recovery issues, in Japan, from Ono San! I Hope you are all ok!

On a lighter topic. I have been working on a Land scape project in my front yard. There was an unfinished slope on one side of my house. I made a series of nature rock walls and put a Karesansui style garden in the middle of it. I used some rocks from my O Gi Chans garden, and I found some in the forest close to Kelowna. It was a lot of work with very heavy lifting. We are very happy with it now and many people walking by have given us nice comments. Do you like it?

Bye for now.

Doug

Makaiya and more fund raising

2011-04-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Just to update Makaiya's fund raising. She has changed her fund raising by selling cookies. Chrissy and her made them. She has been going to businesses and asked if she could sell them there. She has made $100 to date. We are very proud of her effort.

Bye for now.

Doug

Makaiya and Cousins fund raising for Japan

2011-03-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share a compassionate story. Makaiya and her Cousins Logan and Evan made some fridge magnets and sold them in front of our house. Many people stopped and gave them money. They did it as a fund raiser for the people of Japan. They will give the money to The Red Cross. They also want to do it tomorrow. So far they have raised around $15. I am very proud of them.

Bye for now.

Doug

Hello to All

2011-03-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I hope all of you are doing well. We have been following the news and have heard updates from friends in Japan. It is such a disaster ,but the people of Japan seem so calm and ready to meet each step ahead. The amount of charity , and giving is great!

In Canada there has been efforts to help Japan too. At many stores when you pay, the cashiers ask if you would like to give money for the Japan relief. It is through the Red Cross. People also have gathered for moments of silence and prayer for the people in Japan.

Thinking of you all!

Bye for now.

Doug

Update from Doug

2011-03-17T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I am very sad to say that Ono San, Miho and I have made the decision to close Accel Ski System for the season! We are all very sad for a few reasons. Of Course we are sad and concerned about the earthquake, Tsunami and nuclear threat that Japan is having to be Challenged with!

We are also sad that the season is over early and that we were not able to say good bye to many of you! I feel so lucky to coach you all! I love seeing you improve and achieve new personal bests! I look forward to next season! I Appreciate you all very much!

I wish the best for Japan and think positive thoughts for it's full recovery! I have such a close connection with Japan and you! I wish you all the best!

Bye for now!

Doug

New model skis!

2011-03-07T13:28:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

It has been a great season! It is going by way to fast. It's already March. Crazy!

I have exciting news. Rossignol has sent next years skis to us for testing. As of now we have GS 191, and 182cm. We have not tested them much yet. I did take one run in a course with them. My first impression is fast! Once my body weight was on the ski and I powered it, it really bit the snow hard and accelerated quickly down and around the fall line! It was fun to ski on that is for sure! I would like to take a few runs on it today too.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nice race results!

2011-01-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I just want to say Congratulations to those who have started their busy race seasons. I have heard many have had personal bests in their races. Great! Please stay focused on your own race preparation and skiing. Other competitors should have no impact on you! Just keep pushing for new personal best performances!

Bye for now.

Doug

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T05:19:00.001-08:00

Happy New year Everyone!

Snow conditions are improving daily in Sugadaira! The New year camp has been busy but great! Many kids which is good to see. Solid skiing from everyone to start the season.

Bye for now.

Doug

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T02:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!

The great news is that it has been snowing for most of the day. The fore cast for the next few days is also for snow. Great news! It has been a slow start so far. So, I am very grateful for snow fall, and for the cold temperatures.

I look forward to the new year and seeing you all soon.

Bye for now. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

December 16th Update

2010-12-16T00:18:00.000-08:00

Hello!

This week has flown by. 5 skiers or so have been here all week. We have been putting in many, many runs! Working on the basics. They look good!

Every day after skiing we have been doing stomach and back work outs! It has been fun. The group had stiff muscles for the first few days but have improved a lot. Great job!

Bye for now.

See you soon!

Doug

Monday update

2010-12-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

It was a good weekend of free skiing! many came for the Sunday lesson!

Today it was warm but it did snow. Very heavy of course. It was snow though! It is suppose to rain tonight. Lets pray for snow.

See you soon.

Doug

First day at Tsubakuro

2010-12-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

It was a sunny day at Tsubakuro! The snow was hard, BUT there were many , many ice balls. Good for doing our basic training though. We will ski there tomorrow too. Should be better because the snow started to melt in the afternoon.

Bye for now.

Doug

Tsubakuro open for free skiing

2010-12-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

Good evening,

Good news ! We had a nice dump of snow last night. We are able to free ski at Tsubakuro this weekend. It is nice we can stay in the Sugadaira area now.

We will meet at 9 am at the bottom of the lift. Looking forward to seeing you!

Bye for now.

Doug

December 9 2010 update

2010-12-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

Finally it looks like winter here in Sugadaira!!!!!! It is much cooler and has been snowing on and off from this afternoon.

Tomorrow from 1 pm Omatsu yama will open. We will ski there!

I am still not sure where we will train this weekend. I want to see the condition of Omatsu Yama. The Rossignol Opening Cup is Saturday and Sunday. I feel with having the race course on the same run as the free ski run, there will not be much room for basic training. 300 racers will be warming up and free skiing in that free space. Hare is also busy with Demo teams. 300 people! I am thinking of Hi no de ski area. The one very close to 7- 11. I will check all options tomorrow.

Bye for now

Doug

Snow update

2010-12-08T00:13:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Finally it is cool here in Sugadaira. It snowed last night and it was cold enough to make snow too.
I will have a better idea tomorrow if we can ski in Sugadaira this upcoming weekend.

We had good free skiing at Yunomaru. Hopefully tomorrow will be the last day there

Bye for now.

Doug

Week day training

2010-12-06T22:53:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This week has been good so far for free ski training. 5 skiers Monday and 3 today. Yunomaru ski jo was actually busy both days with school children. Today was their last day.

Since the run is so flat, we have been working on fast balance changes and the first phase of edging with our knees and ankles. Consistent balance changes from foot to foot. Well, I have gone through all the phases of the turn actually. Drilling on the basics! When we are doing any technical drill I want everyone to look ahead and see everything down the hill. Too many of you have a bad habit of looking at the snow directly in front of you. Our vision should be wide. When we get into gates we want to see not only one gate but sets of gates in front of us.

Bye for now.

Doug

Yunomaru ski jo training

2010-12-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This past weekend was the first weekend of training for Accel Ski System. It was a warm weekend, and since not many ski areas are open it was busy. We were able to do good basic training drills. We worked on looking ahead, using wide vision, Upper and lower body separation, pole planting. In the afternoon balance changes, lower foot and leg steering, and working the ski. It was a good start to the season.

Omatsu Yama is still short of snow. So keep doing those snow dancing routines!!!!

Tomorrow another day at Yunomaru. 5 skiers will be with me tomorrow.

Bye for now.

I am looking forward to seeing soon.

Doug

Dec ,1 Snow Update

2010-11-30T19:48:00.001-08:00

Hi All,

It was a warm evening last night and very warm today. The ski area were unable to make snow.

Everybody needs to do a special snow dance! The Good news is that at least Hokkaido is getting some snow. Sugadaira is next!

Bye for now.

Doug

Snow update

2010-11-30T01:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It was cool last night and the snow machines were making snow in full force. It did warm up today and is warm now. 4 degrees C. Hope fully it will cool down tonight so they can make more.

Snow condition update

2010-11-26T23:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Here are some pictures of the Omatsu and Tsubakuro today. Still very warm.

I went to Nagano today for shopping. In a parking lot of one of the stores I called Yasuda San of Team Rush just to tell him I was in Japan and looking forward to the season. When I ask what he was doing, he said he was shopping. I asked Where? He told me the name of the store. "It was the same place I was"!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable, He was 50m away from me. What are the chances of that! We both laughed.

I hope you are having a good weekend. I am looking forward to seeing you all.

Bye for now.

Doug

Ski tune up!

2010-11-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

Temperatures are still warm in Sugadaira. I have heard it is suppose to cool down in a few days though. Hopefully!

If any of you have skis to tune up I can do that before snow comes. You could send them to Zonntaggu with your order request.

Hope to see you soon!

Doug

First Day in Japan

2010-11-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Yes, I am in Japan! I am also up at Sugadaira. Unfortunately, there is not enough snow made for this weekend. Sorry to those who were to come for the first weekend of training!

It is very warm in Japan compared to Canada. When I left Kelowna the warm temperature was -12! It has been snowing there too. Hopefully, it will cool off up here soon.

Vancouver airport looks so fancy now. Here are a few pictures from the International departure gates.

Christmas tree

2010-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Since I am not in Canada for Christmas, we do some events together early. Like decorating the Christmas tree, having a special dinner and so on.

In Canada all new homes built are not permitted to install wood burning fire places. Our house was built in the 80's. We have 2 wood burning fire places. They are so nice to have in the Fall and winter. They really warm up the house, and they look so cozy.

Bye for now.

Doug

Makaiya's "Charly Brown Christmas" play

2010-11-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Makaiya's School has been preparing the since September for the Performances today. This year Her class was singing in the back ground. The older kids were in the main roles. It was Fun! The play was called "Charley Brown Christmas". It is a very old Animation production. They show it on TV every Christmas. The teachers of the school made it into a lay for the kids. They do it every year. Makaiya would like a bigger role in years to come.

Bye for now.

Doug

Japanese garden form Grampa Ito

2010-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hello!

My last week in Canada and getting things ready for my trip to Japan.

My cousin in Kelowna is selling his house. My Grandpa Ito made a Japanese style garden around the house. He asked me to take as many rocks and trees as possible. The garden looks very good ,but to buyers for the house, it is intimidating. Most people do not know how to maintain it. Plus, he wants to keep the trees and rocks in the Ito Family. I am enjoying moving the trees and rocks to my house. I will have to place them all properly in the spring. Something to look forward to !!

see you soon!

Doug

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi !

Today us North Americans celebrate Halloween. Here are some pictures of Makaiya and others dressing up. Makaiya sure collected a lot of Candy.

Bye for now.

Doug

New range finders!

2010-10-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I have caught a cold. Bummer!

I do have some new news. I bought a couple of range finders for getting distances from Gate to gate. I can tell you the exact distances. You can then get a feel for what the feel is like for certain distances.

Bye for now.

Doug

Atlantic Lobster feast

2010-10-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hi !

I hope all of you are doing well.

Our family had a good weekend. My my ex ski racing friends in Penticton had a party. They ordered in fresh Lobster from the east coast. We were all to bring a dish and a bottle of wine each to share with all. Probably 60 people were there in total. My friends family actually owns a winery so there was lots to drink. The meal was fabulous! We also had a dance party which was very fun. I haven't danced for years!

I have been very active with Makaiya. Bike riding, playing catch, climbing, gymnastics, and some circuit training. We have both enjoyed it very much! I did not have much time in the summer to do things like that with her.

Bye for now.

Doug

Sunday home work day!

2010-10-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

It was a cool but sunny day here in Kelowna. Makaiya, Chrissy and I worked outside, cutting the lawn, and raking up the first fallen leaves of the season. We take all the leaves to the city dump. the dump has special area for all waste. Lawn, and compost, waste construction wood, metal, plactic , glass, paper, and so on. The plastic, paper,and compost is free. The other cost money to drop off. If you have a normal size truck full it usually costs $6 Canadian. Of course we have a our normal pick up once a week at our house.

Later we all went for a bike ride on the green way. It is a walking and biking path that runs beside Mission creek. It is great for a easy run or bike ride. Relatively flat.

I Purchased a range finder for Accel's pole setting. I will let the group know what distance we are training each session this winter.

Bye for now.

Doug

Hi From Doug

2010-10-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hi!

My life has been pretty much work , work ,work! I am now on the 8th floor of the apartment building I have been working on. 2 more to go. I will be able to finish it off by the time I leave for Japan.

I am very driven to perform and want to share a few things I have noticed in myself. Over the summer when I did not have a clear time when I wanted to finish the unit I took much longer. When I Had a clear goal of when I wanted to finish I made it happen. I worked with more urgency, I was more organized ( I have a step by step preparation plan for each unit). The first unit I did took me 2 and a half days. Now I am down to 1 day. Although, that is pretty much no breaks over 9 hours. I like pushing myself. Continually see how I can make things better.

The same should be done with your training and racing. Set goals and make a plan to make sure it happens. The more you prepare the better chance you have to reach it. And push yourself to always reach a new personal bench mark of excellence.

Bye for now.

Doug

PS The pictures are of the buiding I am working on and of the next one they are building. They are using steal studs in them. No wood.

Hi From Doug

2010-09-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I must admit I have neglected my blog. Sorry! I have been such a workacoholic. I am trying finish the apartment building off before I leave for Japan. I am half way through the 7th floor. 3 more floors to go. The top 2 floors only have 4 units compared to 6 on the others.

I hope you have all been keeping active to maintain or build muscle for the upcoming season. The ski season will soon be here. Being strong will give you have a better chance to ski faster and to prevent injury. Keep working on stretching too.

Bye for now.

Doug

Trip to Vancouver

2010-09-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

This past week was a fun one. Well a little work and fun. We took Tajanna' things down to Vancouver. Yes, she has found an apartment with her boy friend Seb. Chrissy and I were excited to help them out. We packed up my work trailer with all of her stuff. Chrissy had been organizing it all last week. After work on Friday we drove down to Maple Ridge (just out side of Vancouver) We unpacked the trailer that night. The next day Chrissy and Tajanna organized her things. Makaiya and I went back to school shopping.

The next day I golfed with my cousin and the others went to the Vancouver aquarium.

Also had a party with my cousins. That was fun too.

Bye for now.

Doug

Visitors from France!

2010-08-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our family had a very nice visit with Tajanna, her boy friend (Sebastien), Mom (Nicole) and dad (Joel)! We all had a great time getting to know each other! Sebastien and Tajanna had to translate for us. They are here from France. Unfortunately, they must leave on the 15th of this month! We all wish they could stay longer.

They were able to do some fun activities while they stayed in Kelowna. Watched a Rodeo, went wine tasting, swimming and Kayaking, and took part in Chrissy's Birthday Party. It is great to meet such fun , caring, loving, passionate people ! We will always remember our time with them.

Enjoy the pictures!

More Pictures!

2010-08-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Renewal update

2010-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I am still working away at our house. I want to show you some of our details we have in lour new kitchen.

In our Tall pantry cabinets We installed soft close roll outs. We also have soft close hinges on all doors, and drawers. Even if you slam them they get to a certain point and softly shut.

On the back of our island the doors are push to open hinges. You push the door and it springs open . I did that so the look of the doors was just like finished backs. They give us more more storage space!

Today I had the day off at my normal work. I cut slate and fit them in our entrance. I am going to set them after dinner.

Bye for now.

Doug

Hi from Doug

2010-08-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I did play golf this evening. I have not played for quite a while. Was not that great of a game for me. I did not shot very well. I thought a lot about my dad. We used to always play on Sunday . Please all of you that have your parents still, enjoy the time you have with them!!

We are getting closer to finishing out house. We finished the hard wood flooring in our bed room this past weekend. Chrissy's dad said he will finish the rest of the drawers we need for our kitchen.

I will include pictures next time.

Good night!

Finished both sets of stairs

2010-07-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have finished our stairs! Nice! Chrissy is thrilled with everything! She said she has never had such a stunning house before! I am happy too! We have done the majority of the work by ourselves, so it is very rewarding! Plus, saved us a lot of money! I would never be able to pay someone else to do all of this work. Too expensive.

Our next step is to tile the entrance area. You can see the black slate in the picture. We must put a sub floor under the slate then and mortar them down.

Enjoy the picture !

Bye for now.

Doug

Hard wood the stairs

2010-07-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

Hi,

No kitchens to install on Monday, so I worked on our front stairs. Getting closer to finishing!

Doug

Kitchen closer to finishing!

2010-07-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

First, I hope all of you are doing well! Enjoying the summer and doing your best to create things you want in your lives. Self creation. Take your idea, or goal and make a plan to achieve it. With hard work, patience, determination, focus, toughness, and balance. We can all achieve our goals and dreams. Balance has been a tough point for me lately. Work ,and work on our house has been my focus. I have really run my self to the point of being too tired! So I am to the point of asking for help in our house renewal. We are going to ask Chrissy's dad to pantry roll outs for the pantry's beside the fridge, My brother, and my friend Doug to help finish the hard wood floor in our bed rooms. I will have a big party for all that have helped us!

As for the goals you have in Ski racing. Now is the time to build your body's in the strength and power department. Which in turn will build your self confidence! For those of you that would like to improve from your past results anyway. Improving in technique will help you but even to be able to use the proper technique you need to be strong. Strong legs to power the ski and hold a tight fast line, a strong stomach and back to maintain your balance and stay low over the front of the skis, and strong upper body for powerful starts and hold your arms up through out the full length of the course. I look forward to watching all of you hit new personal bests in your performances, this up coming season.

Bye for now.

Doug

Flooring inour house

2010-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Sorry for the long delay between Blogs! We have been working every day. I am getting a little tired of it all. It is coming to a end finally. The challenges of doing all the work ourselves. Well, family and friends have helped. This past weekend, my brother, his wife, Chrissy and her dad helped install the hard wood floor. The main living area is done. We still have the stairs and bed rooms to do. We are using the upstairs kitchen again. I am still waiting for some parts for my island cabinet doors. Once I get those I will update the kitchen pictures. Chrissy is so happy, she cried the first time she saw it! She is very proud of me and my effort.

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer! Also doing your best to stay healthy by eating good foods and exercising your body's! And have a strong and good self image of yourself!

Bye for now my friends

Doug

Japan in The top 16 World Cup

2010-06-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

I am just getting ready for my work day. While I was doing so I was able to watch the beginning of the round of 16 game with Paraguay. I am hoping they can pull off a win! They have had a couple of good chances.

This past season I was given some Pondzu from a long time guest. He works at Kikkoman. He gave me 2 different types and they are both very tasty. I love pondzu! Thanks for the gift!

Have a good day!

Doug

More pictures

2010-06-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry ! The last pictures were not the best! Hopefully these will be better!

Bye!

Weekend and new kitchen counter top

2010-06-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Yes, still working! During the week in Penticton working on the apartment. Then on our own house on the weekends.

Today we tackled the counter tops. The island in huge! We love it! The pictures show me spraying the contact glue, filing the edge to make it smooth and finished. The laminate looks like real granite! WE really like it!

We are going to my dads tomorrow to cut his lawn and cut the hedge. My brother and I are doing that. We are both doing well but miss our dad! Other than that maybe have a day off and play with the kids!

Enjoy the pictures!

Bye for now!

Doug

Saturday's work

2010-06-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hi!

First of all Congratulations to Okumura San and Arigi! I wish you both the best for your life together!!

Second, yes, still working on our house. The lights are in and all the cabinets, installed shelves and some of the drawers. The Drawer slides are soft close. Very classy! We can install the hard wood floor now. My brother Rick will help me with that. Maybe next weekend.

Oh, And Happy Fathers Day! Tomorrow in North America it is a Day to Celebrate being a dad!

Install new kitchen in our house

2010-06-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Well, I have finished building all cabinets for our house. We are still waiting for the doors to arrive though. Also have to build a few roll outs for our pantry cabinets. It is looking good!

I am working a lot now so it is difficult to find time to work on our own house. Only weekends of course.

I hope you are all working hard to improve you body strength! Whole body! Legs, stomach back, and legs. All are vital to perform at your personal best.

Bye for now.

Doug

Apartment kitchen installing

2010-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hi !

The kitchen company I work for in Kelowna put me on a big project in Penticton. It is an apartment building. So far I must do all the work by myself. Chrissy has been helping me though and has been very helpful.

We are still working on our house on weekends. We are getting closer to finishing. I have most of the new cabinetry installed. We are waiting the the cabinet doors to come in. I ordered those.

Bye for now.

Doug

Making cabinets!

2010-06-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I am on to the stage of making the kitchen cabinetry. I am using Chrissy's dad's shop. It has been fun to make on my own, but lots of work. I have so busy between work and working on this project with the house. not much time for any thing else. Well, I have made time to play with Makaiya after dinner. We have been playing catch with a tennis ball. Of course reading to her in her bed before she sleeps. Here are some pictures from today at the shop, and my truck and trailer.

Bye for now.

Doug

Preparation takes time and patience

2010-05-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hi !

We are doing well with our house renewal. It is amazing how similar preparation is with our house renewal and ski racing. The better the preparation the better the finished product and better the finish in racing. I spent a lot of time leveling the floor, preparing the ceiling for the finish spray and so on. The preparation needed time, patience, planning, timing, and plan old hard work.

Now ski racing needs the same preparation! Endurance, Strength and power from our body's. That takes time, and effort. I have still been working out at home. Lifting weights. Full body work outs. legs , core (stomach and back), and upper body. My vision is that more of you do the same! If you can do that the better chance for even better results. As well as a better chance for a longer, healthier life! My work outs take 45 to 30 minutes. As I said I do them all at home. I did have to buy dumb bell weights.

http://www.bowflexselecttech.ca/bst_microsite_ca/products.jsp

This site has very compact system. They may be found on auctions and I did see them at Costco in Kelowna. They may have them at the Costco in Japan?

http://www.beachbody.com/category/video.do?bclid=6614435001

http://www.beachbody.com/category/video.do?bclid=6615759001

These sites are DVD sets that are very good. I use the Chalean Extreme DVD set.

Bye for now. Please check them out! And do your best to prepare!

Doug

Ceiling repair

2010-05-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hi every one,

Another step toward our house renewal was achieved today. We had to put new dry wall up on the ceiling where we took the old parts out. The old ceiling had a textured spray on it. The Challenge was to add to the new one , but at the same time match to the old! That was a concern for me since the original ceiling was done 30 years ago. Today we did our best and matched it!!!!! I am thrilled! Chrissy will will paint the walls next. I will start building the kitchen cabinets.

The last time I played golf I shot 77. The time before that 80. I feel like I have a better understanding of how to play and swing. My handy cap is 8 now. My goal is to be 0 though.

House renewal update

2010-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hi!

It has been very busy here in Kelowna. I have been leveling our floor in the Kitchen, dinning , and living room. It was very out of level. We are putting hard wood flooring in so the sub floor must be very level.

The weather is finally warming up. We have officially temperatures in the 20's. I have not golfed much. I am playing tomorrow though. And maybe Ssaturday. I will let you know how I shoot.

I am still working out in the mornings. Hard to do while I am working. I get up early and do it before Chrissy or Makaiya wake up. I do feel strong and my lower back is also pain free. Anyway, Do your best to improve your body strength.

Bye for now.

Doug

Back Yard

2010-05-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

We have been busy working on our house inside and out. Here are some pictures of the back yard. We have been pulling weeds and working on greening up the lawn. Nice blossoms on one of the trees.

I played golf on Saturday. Shot 90. Not very good but I did enjoy myself. PLayed with some of my dad's friends.

Bye for now.

Doug

Last wall tear down!

2010-04-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well we packed away all of our things in the last walls cabinets. As well as teared it down. Also took another load of wood to the city dump. For the same cost as yesterday. $6! We have My trailer filled again with the dry wall from the old walls. We will have to dump that tomorrow.

I am helping Chriss'y dad with a kitchen he is working on in Oyama. Oyama is a town name North of Kelowna. 30 minutes from my house.

Another update is that I have continued weight training around 5 times per week. I am feeling very good. I am working out before I start work. Around 6 to 7 am is when I start. It is hard to do sometimes, but I feel good after I finish. My back is still feeling good. The weight training has helped it a lot.

Bye for now.

Doug

Wall tear down!

2010-04-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We did more tear down work today. The wall closest to our dinning room. The dinning , kitchen area is looking so big now. We plan to do the last wall tomorrow. We have to pack many things from the old cabinets.

Also took the old carpet to the city dump. It did cost only $6. I hope to take a few pictures there next time.

More later.

Doug

Picture

2010-04-25T17:49:00.001-07:00

Upper floor renewal

2010-04-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

I arrived home from the coaching seminar and Chrissy gave me a surprise. Her dad and her took the first wall down of 3. We are in a house that as built in 1980. The design then was to have the kitchen closed off from the rest of the house. We are taking the 3 walls down to open the kitchen completely up to the living room and dinning room. They call that a "Great room" concept. I bought new hard wood flooring 2 years ago and this year Chrissy's dad will build our kitchen cabinets.

Today we took the old carpet out. It was so disgusting! We looked at the back of the carpet after we removed it and saw many , many old stains, mold, and dirt! Vacuuming did not pick up the deep down dirt. We removed the old staples , nails and cleaned the plywood thoroughly!

I loaded my truck and trailer with all of the all carpet and underlay. When I take it to Kelowna's city dump it will only cost me $6 to dump it. I wonder how much it would be in Japan?

Bye for now.

More later.

Doug

More Pictures

2010-04-22T22:18:00.001-07:00

Last Day of the Coaching Summit

2010-04-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I am back in Kelowna now. My trip to Nakiska was a good one. On the Last Day I was in the GS group. The things the National team coaches were teaching us was the same as we have been working on. The Basics! A solid and quick balance change, separation between the upper and lower body, and moving towards the next turn with our energy. They did not really talk about looking ahead, but that is a must to be able to see the line ahead of us.

We also talked about knee injuries. ACL tears. The worst case about the ACL tears is that they are missed sometimes. It is very important to fix the Ligament before cartilage damage is done. The injury happens usually while trying to recover from sitting back, or from a very, quick twisting movement inside. Both are recovery moves. The twisting move inside is from a late hit of pressure after the fall line. The best injury prevention seems to be if we can stay balanced in the middle and to stay on line. Look ahead. If you tear the ACL you usually hear or feel a pop. There is little swelling, and difficult to straighten the leg. The outside back of the knee is the sore point.

Mark Sharpe , and other Coaches from the World DVD's were there. They are in some of the pictures.

They stressed that all should work of course on ski technique and body power, but also on being simply athletic. Able to move and adapt on demand and to any condition.

I am very passionate about mental training as well. I have been working on a Mental imagery audio session. I hope to share it with more of you next season.

Bye for now.

Doug

Nakiska coaching Summit

2010-04-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I am at Nakiska now. Most of the Head coaches from all of Canada are here, along with the National Head coaches. From Both Men and Women sides.

This is the first year we have had it on snow. It has been great to see many of my old friends from when I ski raced. Yes, Many are coaches now.

Every day we go to a different Discipline. My first day was SL and today we Super G and DH. The main topic has been stick to the basics. When training the different events, break the training runs up into specific focus areas. For example in SL combination's( Hair pins and Flushes only ) Corridors with different off sets and distances. The way we are training now. Same for DH. Jumping station, open turns, gilding on a flat ski, starts and so on.

We also have afternoon meetings talking about safety and injury prevention. Today I am not sure.

We have had great sunny hot days and great spring skiing.

I will update again soon.

Bye for now.

Doug

Coaching Summit at Nakiska Ski Resort

2010-04-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Life here is back to the norm. It has finally started to warm up. We finally hit 20 degrees C last week.

I did do some skiing with My family before it warmed up. The local ski hill closed last weekend.

I will leave tomorrow for the annual coaching Summit put on by the CSCF. I will go with some friends from Kelowna. Both are coaches for the Kelowna Ski Club. It will be a fun trip. It lasts for 3 days. We will make groups. Each group will have one day in SL, GS, and Speed. The Canadian National ski team coaches will lead it, along with the CSCF. This is the first time on snow. We usually just have meetings inside. I will update my Blog during the Summit.

Enjoy your spring season! Relax and have some refresh time after your ski season. BUT I really hope more of you will push your selves to increase your Body strength and power over the off season. In all areas Legs, core and upper body. Why? Lets go it more detail when I return from Nakiska.

Have a great weekend!

Doug

Nato?

2010-04-08T21:58:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

I have settled back here in Canada.

It is still cool here. Fresh snow today in the hills. In fact Makaiya and I are going skiing on Saturday. Still too cold for golf. I have been practicing. Feels good!

I was in a Oriental store the other day and found my favorite breakfast food. Nato! It tasted good! It is frozen but the taste was fine. Yeah! Nato all year. Chrissy Thinks I'm crazy.

Bye for now.

Doug

The Family Picture

2010-03-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

The picture in the last blog is a picture from a few years ago. The men of the Ito Family. My Dad, brother Rick, Rick's son Takoda, and me!

Hi From Canada

2010-03-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I am guessing many of you are surprised to hear I had to leave Japan! Me Too! I had to return home to spend precious time with my father. He died On March 15th with myself my brother and our wives by his side. He had been fighting an aggressive stomach cancer. He surprised many by how long he fought it! I am very proud of him! How he cared for me, taught me valuable lessons of life, played with me, and loved me! He is my hero for many reasons!

Thank you all for your kind understanding! I wish you all finish the season strong! I am very proud of your efforts this season. Always do your own personal best and you will always be a winner!

Bye for now!

Doug

Spring skiing / Making pizza

2010-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!

It was a good spring skiing day today. Hard snow, and cloudy for most of the morning. Perfect! The group skied great today, which made it even better.

Today we made pizza at dinner. Or I should say Yuu made pizza. it was his first time this year. It was good!

Bye for now

Doug

Happy Girls day!

2010-03-03T01:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Girls Day!

Us Men are so lucky that we have beautiful , Kind , Loving Girls all around us! Thanks for being here!

Doug

Good morning March, 3, 2010

2010-03-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well!

For the last week or so it has been spring conditions. Very warm with rain, and hot sunny days. The snow has reduced alot. It is suppose to cool down. I hope so. It feels like the end of March right now.

I hope you have all enjoyed the season so far1 I have!

I have been going to the gym after coaching. Yes, weight training. It was hard to motivate myself to start. I do feel very good now that I have made a routine. More energy and I just feel stronger and more confident. For all of you my hope is that you can all arrange your time to do some strength training. It will help not only your ski racing performance, but your overall life performance. Of course it will be uncomfortable at first. Anything that is worth while takes extra effort! I hope you all can start. I know you will all feel great about yourselves if you do it!

Have a good day!

Doug

Sunny days in Sugadaira

2010-02-22T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Monday training was great today! Sunny and warm. The snow was still very icy. I was able to take a few runs with the guests today. We worked on being stable through all phases of the turn with our upper body, and looking ahead. It was difficult for some,but saw very positive results for others.

This season is flying bye. I cannot believe it is almost March. Just a hand full of weekends left. I look forward to finishing the season off strong!

Oh, I will keep you informed to when we have next seasons test skis.

Bye for now.

Doug

Test skis!

2010-01-26T02:16:00.000-08:00

Hello!

It was a good day today. There was a Rossignol test today at Omatsu Yama. We were able to take 2 pairs of skis to Tsubakuro. Next years skis are very good! Fast edge catch and solid under the foot. Very stable. I am very excited to use them more. They were very fun!

It is cool again here and it snowed a little last night. Conditions look good for the weekend. Looking forward to seeing you all!

Bye for now.

Doug